What does federal Coronavirus legislation mean for pharmaceutical employees – and whistleblowers?

The federal legislative response to the COVID-19 public health crisis has two overarching goals: bolstering the country’s health system in the fight against the Coronavirus and blunting the damage to the U.S. economy as a result of the pandemic.  Employees in the pharmaceutical industry may benefit directly from legislation affording paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave, and those who lose their jobs will see enhanced unemployment benefits. The injection of trillions of federal dollars into the economy—some of it earmarked specifically for healthcare and pharmaceutical companies—also carries with it new regulatory obligations and new opportunities for fraud and waste.  This article describes the key provisions of the COVID-19 legislation benefiting employees, along with the role that whistleblowers will play in ensuring that the stimulus money is used properly.